“I am the light of the world. He that followeth me, walketh not in darkness” (Jn.VIII, 12)

Since faith is one, it must be professed in all its purity and integrity". Pope Francis/Pope Benedict

email:torontocatholicwitness@rogers.com

Sunday, 27 March 2016

UPDATED: Fr. Thomas Uzhunnalil "strong indications" that he is still alive

UPDATE: 2016-04-02. Full details: Fr. Tom "is safe". Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Negotiations to free him are underway. -----------------------UPDATE: 2016-03-31: regarding the alleged"ransom video"of Fr. Tom. UPDATED :2016-03-29: According to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, there are "strong indications" that Fr. Thomas Uzhunnalil may still be alive. The following had been reported, based on the information available. It has now been clarified that the Cardinal Schönborn's remark is erroneous.[Austrian media is reporting that Cardinal Schönborn of Vienna confirmed last night, during the Easter Vigil at Stephansdom that the Salesian priest, Fr. Thomas Uzhunnalil was crucified by ISIS on Good Friday. Polonia Christiana is also carrying the news, based on the Austrian reports].

[UPDATED: 2016-03-29. 11:28 a.m. EST. Further details and evidence on Cardinal Schonbörn's statement during the Easter Vigil about Fr. Tom may be read here].

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke, 23:34)

Fr. Thomas UzhunnalilHeld prisoner for the love of Jesus Christ

Let us pray for the Islamic killers of the Sisters of Charity, and for the abductors of Fr. Tom, that they repent and seek conversion:

Prayer of St. Francis Xavier for the Conversion of the Infidels

Eternal God, Creator of all things, remember that Thou alone didst create the souls of infidels, framing them to Thine own image and likeness; behold, O Lord, how, to Thy dishonor, hell is daily replenished with them. Remember, O Lord, Thine only Son, Jesus Christ, Who suffered for them, most bountifully shedding His precious blood. Suffer not, O Lord, Thy Son and our Lord to be any longer despised by infidels. But, rather, being appeased by the entreaties and prayers of the elect, the saints, and of the Church, the most blessed spouse of Thy Son; be mindful of Thy mercy, yet forgetful of their idolatry and infidelity. Cause all to know Him Whom Thou didst send, Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who is our health, life, and resurrection, through Whom we are freed and saved, to Whom be all glory forever. Amen.

India(Kerala):Church officials say statement confirms that priest taken by suspected Islamic terrorists in Yemen has not been crucified.

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The Indian government says it is trying to secure the release of Salesian Father Father Thomas Uzhunnalil amid unconfirmed reports that the 56-year-old priest was crucified on Good Friday. (Photo supplied)

The Indian government said it was still actively trying to rescue a Salesian priest kidnapped in Yemen in early March amid unconfirmed reports that the missionary had been crucified on Good Friday.

Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted on March 26 that the government was continuing efforts to rescue Father Thomas Uzhunnalil.

"We are making all efforts to secure his release," said Swaraj's tweet.

The Washington Times reported March 27 that Father Uzhunnalil had been crucified by the so-called Islamic State on Good Friday, and that the priest's death was confirmed by Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna at an Easter Vigil Mass.

Father Joseph Chinnayan, the deputy secretary general of the Indian bishops' conference told ucanews.com March 28 that he has contacted "all authentic sources" within the church and government.

"As of now, there is absolutely no basis for this talk of crucifixion," he said.

Father Chinnayan said he will be meeting with foreign ministry officials late March 28, where he expects "a clearer picture will emerge."

Father Mathew Valarkote, spokesman for the Salesian's Bangalore province, said the government statement "definitely shows that no harm has been done to" Father Uzhunnalil.

Father Valarkote said reports of Father Uzhunnalil's crucifixion were baseless. "We do not know the basis of such reports. As far as we know, efforts are on to rescue him," he said.

Father Uzhunnalil was kidnapped in the port city of Aden March 4 during a raid by suspected Islamic terrorists in Yemen on a nursing home run by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, in which 16 people were gunned down, including four nuns.

The 56-year-old Salesian priest hails from the southern state of Kerala and is a member of the Salesians' Bangalore province.

PLEASE DON'T TAKE THESE NEWS AS REALITY. I live in Austria and Cardinal Schönborn was the only one who made this news public. Nowhere on the internet or in any other news I found anything about Fr. Tom. We don't know his fate at this moment and continue praying for his rescue.

Purgatory, ned to purify one's soul... totally debases the sacrifice on the cross. What did Jesus say to the thief on the cross? "Today you will be in Paradise with me" Purgatory is a place where if someone passes enough money for their dearly departed they might get out sooner. A slap in the face of the redemptive act of the cross

shall we only call him a martyr and be silent.As Christians only this much is our duty? unlike Jesus if he is crucified then he should also be resurrected.we want living priest among us who can daily bring jesus in the alter in the form of blood and flesh.what do you say?we christian all believe in the existence of jesus among us where two or three people gather in His name.we cant see the sorrowful mother again crying for his child.what heart piercing agony Fr.Tom relatives are going through now.How can we stand beside them? only silent prayers and offering mass is our duty now .then we are also one of the crowd when BARNABAS was asked to release and to crucifixes Jesus.

RIP Fr Tom. So sad we are arguing about Saints. Main thing we should see is the violence in this world. Apart from other reasons if some one should die because of his/her faith its a tragedy.We humens should be respect and love each other with all differences. This world became more beutiful and live because of different thinking. Colour ,Race, Religion, Lanuage, Talents ,Joy, sorrow etc etc. Otherwise world will be dull place. no Architecture, cinama, TV, drama , Songs Paints,technology etc.So we all need to live with what we like and belive. Please all pray for peace and Light to this world. ISIS Pl come back to your sense and live with others peacefully.